by Sarah Billman for the University Libraries Green Team

By taking some easy steps to be more sustainable, you can have a greener 2017 and the Libraries Green Committee has some ideas to help you start your new year.

Bring a reusable water bottle from home instead of buying bottled water
Today there are a myriad of choices and styles to fit your lifestyle and water intake needs. With many places offering water bottle refilling stations, it’s an easy switch to make. Some basic qualities to look for in a good water bottle are:

• BPA, phthalates, and chemical free
• Leak and spill proof
• Double-walled vacuum insulated
• Dishwasher safe

Skip the plastic bag and bring your own bag instead
Compact, foldable bags come in lots of great colors and sizes. Buy a couple and toss them in your favorite coat, your desk drawer or in your vehicle so you always have one available when you need it.

Eliminate phantom power at work and at home by unplugging wall chargers when not in use.

Many device chargers today continue to draw electricity as long as the wall charger is plugged in not just when you’re charging your device.

Bring your own utensils instead of using the plastic disposable ones
Keep a set of bamboo or metal utensils or a spork in your desk drawer or bag and reach for it when plastic disposable utensils are available.

Take public transportation
Check with Penn State Transportation Services or your local HR Representative to find out about public transportation options available in your area.

Participate in a ridesharing program if available in your area
Rideshare participants find there are numerous reasons why ridesharing is beneficial to them and their community. For example:

• Financial savings due to shared commuting costs
• Decreased personal vehicle maintenance and wear and tear
• Improved air quality resulting from fewer auto emissions
• Reduced traffic congestion
• More free time for riders

Not sure if ridesharing is for you? Try a Zimride or check with CATA for more information about ridesharing around Centre and surrounding counties

Borrow a Kill-A-Watt Electricity Usage Monitor from the Libraries to identify opportunities for electricity reduction in your home.

• The Kill-A-Watt Electricity Usage Monitors come with instructions for how to use them as information how to access the Electricity Calculator

Divert your trash from landfills by composting your food scraps and recycling